READING, Pa. – A state lawmaker from Berks County is looking to once again tighten up the laws concerning motorcycle helmets.
“They’re trying to turn back time,” said Eric Knight, who has been riding a motorcycle for at least twenty years.
He says whether motorcycle riders wear a helmet should be up to them.
“I don’t wear it all the time, but it depends where I’m going, how far I’m going,” Knight explained. “It also depends on the traffic I’m in.”
“I have mixed feelings on it,” said motorcyclist Kristie Weik. “I think it’s a personal thing, it’s a personal choice to do so or not. I prefer to wear a helmet.”
State Rep. Manny Guzman of Berks County says he plans to introduce legislation that would once again require motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear helmets in Pennsylvania. The proposal says traumatic brain injuries, in particular, are among the leading causes of death and long-term disability among un-helmeted riders.
“It’s very hit or miss,” said Kyle Macbain, Learn to Ride liaison at Classic Harley Davidson in Bern Township. “There are a lot of customers that are against it and there are a lot for it.”
Macbain says helmets are required for the motorcycle safety academy that takes place at that location and says he personally chooses to wear a helmet.
“I did lay down my motorcycle at one point with my helmet on and I got a new helmet afterwards,” Macbain said. “It did prevent a head injury.”
He says many statistics show it does increase protection for riders but says it’s a tough call whether it should be mandated.
“The biggest thing we see right now is not only are motorcycle riders at risk, but there are kids who are on electric bicycles and scooters that have less regulations that aren’t wearing helmets,” said Macbain.
The proposal has not yet been introduced in Harrisburg.
